Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's New Game Plus Mode: A Free Post-Launch Addition
Following fan backlash over the exclusive New Game Plus mode in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has announced a different approach for its upcoming title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The New Game Plus mode will be available as a free post-launch update.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, despite critical acclaim and award nominations, faced criticism for restricting New Game Plus access to the most expensive editions. While RGG Studio didn't reverse this decision for Infinite Wealth, the Like a Dragon Direct showcased a change of heart for Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
The recent Like a Dragon Direct offered a 13-minute preview of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii's gameplay, including ship combat and crew management. Crucially, the announcement confirmed that New Game Plus will be a free addition via a post-launch patch, although a specific release date wasn't provided.
This decision addresses concerns about gating significant gameplay features behind expensive editions. While deluxe editions often include cosmetic items, locking core gameplay elements like New Game Plus behind a paywall is a contentious practice. RGG Studio's response demonstrates a willingness to listen to player feedback. Although players will need to wait for the update, the relatively short wait time, compared to the game's expected playtime, should mitigate some frustration.
With the release date set for February 21st, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is expected to share more details in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow the studio's social media channels for updates.
